A licensed practical nurse is caring for a 78-year-old woman on a postpartum recovery unit who delivered vaginally 6 hours ago following a planned pregnancy achieved with fertility treatment. Her history includes controlled hypertension and type 2 diabetes, with no known drug allergies and immunizations up to date. On assessment, the fundus is firm, midline, and at the level of the umbilicus. Lochia is moderate rubra. The perineum shows a small amount of edema without excessive bruising. The bladder is nondistended. Vital signs are temperature 100.6°F (38.1°C), heart rate 96 beats/min, respirations 18/min, and blood pressure 152/98 mm Hg. The client's daughter, who will help with newborn care at home, is at the bedside asking questions. Which action should the nurse take first?
- Perform a comprehensive newborn assessment and independently revise the client's postpartum plan of care.
- Tell the client that a temperature of 100.6°F and blood pressure of 152/98 mm Hg are expected after delivery.
- Report the elevated temperature and blood pressure findings to the registered nurse promptly.
- Continue the scheduled postpartum teaching and reassess vital signs at the next routine interval.